Folliculitis

Folliculitis is common skin condition caused by an infection in the hair follicles. The irritation is the body's natural response to ingrown facial hairs and damaged hair follicles that cause inflamed papules and pustules. The infection typically appears in clusters, forming small, white and pus-filled bumps that develop around the hair follicles. These blisters often break open, scab or form dry and crusted patches of skin over the affected area. Individuals with Folliculitis also suffer from itchiness, tenderness and often swelling and pain in the affected area. More aggressive Folliculitis can become chronic, causing keloid scarring and hypopigmented lesions (spots of visibly lightened skin). Most folliculitis outbreaks are seen on the face and neck where shaving takes place.

CAUSE:

Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles are damaged to the point where bacteria, viruses or fungi have the ability to enter the follicle shaft and cause infection. The most common causes of damaged hair follicles include constant abrasion to the skin from shaving, inflammatory skin conditions including acne or dermatitis and trauma or injury to the skin from surgery, accidents, burns or laser skin therapies.

TREATMENT:

The most obvious, and often times the most successful treatment of mild Folliculitis is to simply stop shaving. Allow the hair to grow for a period of 3-4 weeks, giving razor bumps and other lesions the time to heal. Also, the use of an electric razor, as opposed to a blade, can alleviate skin irritation associated with close shaving. Topical applications of cortisone cream, glycolic acid lotions topical or oral antifungal and prescription Retin-A can also aid in recovery and prevention of moderate Folliculitis outbreaks.

Folliculitis can also be successfully treated with more direct, medical aesthetic treatments including: IPL PhotoFacial and Laser Hair Removal procedures.